Greenpeace says IKEA involved in destruction of forests in Romania
The environmental organization Greenpeace has accused IKEA of being involved in the deforestation of primeval forests in Romania for furniture production, allegations that IKEA said it was taking very seriously.
A Greenpeace investigation found that wood from ancient forests, including primeval forests in the Carpathian Mountains, is being felled for the Swedish company's furniture production.
Several external manufacturers working for IKEA are said to use wood from these valuable forests for certain chairs and cots. According to Greenpeace, 30 products from these suppliers were found in furniture stores in 13 countries.
"IKEA must not destroy the last primeval forests in Europe for furniture," said Greenpeace forest expert Gesche Jürgens on Wednesday.
Greenpeace says its research teams have traced the path of the wood from the forests of Romania to the shelves of IKEA shops using logging permits, satellite images and timber warehouses. Greenpeace activists intend to hand over the research results to IKEA's German headquarters in Hofheim am Taunus on Wednesday.
IKEA told dpa in response to the investigation: "Illegal timber and irresponsible forestry practices have no place in the IKEA value chain."
"We immediately investigate any evidence of this. If we discover irregularities, we take immediate action, including the termination of business relationships."
Greenpeace points out that Romania's Carpathian Mountains are home to significant populations of brown bears, wolves, chamois, lynx and many rare plants. Only around 2.4% of the forests there are currently protected from deforestation, the campaign group says.
It's estimated that Romania has lost half of its primeval forests through logging in the past 20 years. The European Union's biodiversity strategy provides particular protection of old, semi-natural forests and primeval forests.
